The girls around me were freshening up their Merfolk language. Some were fluent. Others, less so. Though most seemed to have a baseline knowledge. My grasp of the Merfolk language was rusty, at least. I vaguely recalled some lessons during my days at the Academy, but that felt like so long ago now

In the werewolf tradition, he wore a tuxedo, though with a blue shirt rather than white. His eyes were deep red as they focused on me. “Ambassador Zale, may I present Piper,” Mark said. Well, it was now or never. Trust Mark, and presumably Nicholas, or take the chance myself. Reaching up, I

Nicholas I had no idea why I decided to help Piper. She had betrayed me in the past. By all accounts, I should have been pleased to see her fail. Yet, when I stood outside the sitting room and heard Lena suggest the traditional punishment for Piper, I couldn’t stand idly by and do nothing. The

Unfortunately, Lena also had the Queen’s favor. I had to be careful here, lest I risk offending my own mother. “I have questions,” I said. Lena dipped her head. “Of course. I live to serve, sir.” Behind me, Mark quietly snorted in disbelief. He quickly covered it with a cough. Lena glared at

I stared at Julian, disbelieving my ears. Did he really just ask me for a solo date? Yet everyone in the whole ballroom was looking at us. Julian still held the microphone up to his mouth. This was definitely happening. It wasn’t a dream. Which meant that Julian was up to something. “Why?” I

“Marry him, then.” She nodded, like it was decided. Like it was somehow that easy. I hated disappointing her. I wished I could let her believe what she wanted. “I’m sorry, Elva. But Prince Nicholas and I won’t ever be a couple. No matter what.” She looked up at me with large, vulnerable eyes.

Julian showed up with the nanny early the next morning. Fortunately I was an early riser and had just finished changing into my day clothes. He held out a spare cup of coffee. “You ready? We have to be quick to get out of here before anyone notices.” I cast him a doubtful look. “’Before anyone n

Julian looked at me sideways for a long moment. “Oh my God, you actually believe that.” A blush warmed my face. What was he implying? That Nicholas still cared? No, knowing Julian, he was just trying to stir the pot again. I couldn’t trust anything he said or implied. The road started to turn,

Quickly, I exited the car. Julian sighed, threw the car into park, and got out too. “Over here, Piper,” Nicholas said, motioning to the space beside him. Obediently, I went where he directed. Softly, he asked me, “Are you alright?” The question startled me a moment. I wasn’t sure why he cared.

Panic struck through me. Adrenaline surged through my veins. Seeing Elva hanging from that window took years off my life. I rushed forward at once, forgetting the Luna now behind me – forgetting all else. My child was in danger! As I ran closer, I held out my arms, ready to catch her if she